POUGHQUAG - It is with profound sadness that we are sharing the devastating news that our deeply loved, son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend, and teammate, Connor Austen Hess, 22, passed away unexpectedly on September 18, 2024.

Connor came into this world a screaming ball of fire on April 3, 2002 in Carmel, NY. His first year of life was unlike any other newborn and the night before his first birthday, he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. But the diagnosis never stopped him and his determination, he remained a warrior and fighter of his disease for the last 22 years. Connor had more heart than any person.

Connor was a parishioner at St. Kateri Church in LaGrangeville. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, played many sports including football, wrestling, baseball and soccer but his favorite pastime was spending time with his family, friends and teammates.

He was a 2021 graduate of Arlington High School, where he was an athlete in both wrestling and football. He was currently studying Renewable Energies at SUNY Delhi. Connor's family, teachers, coaches, and friends were his biggest fans. His perseverance, on and off the field and mat, was inspiring to everyone who was lucky enough to know Connor.

Connor is survived by his parents, Bryan and Corinne (Brady) Hess; his brother, Dylan Hess; his grandparents, Carol and Walter Brady and Patricia and Vaughn Prunier; his aunts and uncles, Donna Brady, Kerry and Pat Ruppert, Elizabeth and Michael Fischetti, April Hess and Ivan Vasquez, and VJ and Dwayne Dawes; his cousins, James and Christopher O'Halloran, Christina, Joseph, and Michael Ruppert, Zachary, Sydney, and Ryan Fischetti, Wynter, and Fallynn Hess-Vasquez, and Nishara, DJ, Nina and Eden Dawes; and numerous friends, teammates, and coaches. Connor was predeceased by his grandfather, Robert Rubeo.

Cystic Fibrosis never defined him, over the course of his short life, what is remembered most is his courage, his unwavering smile and passion for everything he loved. Despite the challenges, Connor came out as a hero and has left a permanent imprint on everyone who had the honor of loving him.

The family would like to thank the community for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 23rd from 4 - 8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, September 24th at 10 am at St. Kateri Church, 1925 Route 82, LaGrangeville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Connor to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.